How to survive in a German speaking country

Learning a new language is never easy and German is not an exception. Not at all.

Before moving to Germany, I had been studying German for years but I did not need much time to realise that my German wasn't good enough. So, my first piece of advice is: 

• Don't be afraid of making mistakes! Talk, talk and talk again.            

     

Aller Anfag ist schwer but you're not alone. Many other students are probably experiencing the same problem. Avoiding it is not the smartest thing to do, considering that you're abroad even to improve your language skills.

• Every try will be appreciated.

I do not believe in stereotypes but German people are not famous for being easy-going and in my experience I pretty agree with it, but don't be discouraged by your not perfectly knowing the language. You probably know two or even more languages, so you have nothing to be ashamed of. Every correction people'll do, every mistake you'll make, will be fundamental for your growth.

• Every occasion is a good occasion to practise!

       

I know, being an Erasmus student is great: it allows you to meet people from all over the world, getting in touch with different languages and cultures. I also know that when you're at a party, speaking in English will probably make you feel more at your ease, requiring less work. But again don't miss any occasions to try and why not... to show off your improvements.

• Avoid people from your same country!

It may sound a little harsh, but don't repeat my mistake: go international! It is obviously easier to get along with people coming from your country and speaking the same language, but not be confined to that! Open your mind: the world is your oyster!

• A beer never killed nobody

                    

I wish you were beer, Pink Floyd sang... oh sorry, that was me. Anyway, I am not pushing you to get drunk every night but a little alchool will make you focus less on your mistakes. You'll gain in self-confidence: seeing is believing.

• Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof

Are you a complete beginner and you're still not able to start a conversation? Don't worry, everybody speaks English and for that and everthing else there's Google Translator.

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